[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 120 (Thursday, September 12, 2013)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1305] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING ISMAEL ``TONY'' TORRES ______ HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ of new york in the house of representatives Thursday, September 12, 2013 Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a model public servant who dedicated his life to the betterment of the Williamsburg community in Brooklyn, New York. Ismael ``Tony'' Torres was born in Carolinas, Puerto Rico on November 29, 1933, and arrived in New York City in 1946. Mr. Torres is an extraordinary man who is proud of his heritage and has dedicated his life's work to advancing the cause of equal rights, community empowerment and civil rights for Puerto Ricans in Williamsburg. In 1952, he was arrested for organizing a rally against wage theft for six Puerto Rican factory workers in Brooklyn. This was the beginning of a long and storied activist career. Mr. Torres served in the U.S. Armed Forces from 1954 to 1956 in the ARMY 7th Steps To Hell, Company A unit. Upon returning home, he continued the fight for justice and fairness and against discrimination. In 1958 he coordinated the first Puerto Rican parade along Graham Avenue. Thanks to his advocacy and work with the former Councilmember, Graham Avenue today is known as Avenida Puerto Rico. In the 1970's he founded the Williamsburg Federation of Tenants for Better Housing. Comprised of local residents and leaders. This organization led to the development of two massive affordable housing projects in the 1970's and 80's--Caribe Village and Borinquen Plaza Housing Development. In 1977, he led and won the fight to create one of the oldest senior centers in Williamsburg--the Borinquen Senior Center. In addition, he served as the president of the Tenants Association where he led the fight to improve the quality of life for public housing residents. Mr. Torres was also very active in the fight for affordable and quality healthcare in Williamsburg and Greenpoint. Along with health advocates, he organized to improve services for the underserved at Greenpoint Hospital. The coalition initiated by Mr. Torres and other Latino leaders led to the closure of that facility and its replacement with an updated, state-of-the-art health center known today as Woodhull Medical Center. Today, Mr. Torres continues to be a powerful advocate because people trust him. He is a community legend and champion for those who too often lack a voice. Once again, I pay tribute to Mr. Ismael ``Tony'' Torres, a Puerto Rican trailblazer for his people and a renaissance man who made a positive impact in housing, civil and workers' rights and local politics. Those of us who have the opportunity to observe and experience his example consider ourselves fortunate. ____________________